The basic premise, that governors are facing an ever-increasing workload, is undeniable. So too is the caution that governors can become simply the implementors of government policy to the possible detriment of their school.

However, with the right approach governing bodies can stay focused upon their school and be a driving force for improvement.

At the risk of resorting to cliche, the role of governor and governing body really is what the individual and corporate body makes it. Just as there is nothing more depressing than simply turning up to meetings and holding shallow debates, so there is no greater reward than becoming a valued member of a team of dedicated people determined to improve their own school.

Perhaps the goose of idealistic volunteers is looking a little tatty as the demands on golden egg-laying capacity increase. But it is up to the goose to become involved in farmyard decisions. The risk is that with the increasing demands upon the time of unpaid people, only governors from a certain area of society will continue to serve. But that is another issue...

Rob Wilson School governor, Somerset